The bright moon hangs high, beckoning him down from his pedestal.

The imperial entourage, in a grand procession, entered the palace gates. As soon as they reached the inner court, they saw a group of people standing quietly waiting in front of them.

The one in the lead wore a phoenix crown and had a dignified demeanor; she was none other than Empress Ulan Yun.

Several palace maids and eunuchs followed behind her, standing respectfully with their heads bowed.

Shen Wangxi and Shen Qingruo got off the carriage, and when they saw this scene, a look of surprise flashed across their eyes.

He thought that after Aruo's miscarriage, given Wulan Yun's proud nature, she would at least stay at home for a while.

Unexpectedly, she came out to greet me personally this time, and her expression was calm, as if all the previous disagreements had never happened.

Shen Qingruo's gaze was immediately drawn to the familiar figure beside Wulan Yun.

That's... Granny Su?

Her heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively took half a step back, her face turning slightly pale.

She remembered clearly that Xiao Jiu had said that all the old servants of Jiaofang Palace had been dealt with. How could this be? Was she seeing a ghost?

Shen Wangxi immediately noticed her unusual behavior, put his arm around her slender waist, pulled her closer to him, and asked in a low voice, "What's wrong?"

Shen Qingruo leaned against him, her fingertips gently grasping his sleeve, her gaze still filled with surprise and uncertainty as she looked at the meek and obedient old woman.

Shen Wangxi followed her gaze and saw the face that was exactly the same as that of the deceased Granny Su.

He immediately remembered that when Shen Yinian submitted his memorial before, he did mention that he hoped to have the younger sister of the Empress's personal maidservant enter the palace to serve her, in order to comfort the Empress.

He thought it wouldn't hurt and agreed.

Unexpectedly, it turned out to be her twin sister, whose appearance was so similar that it frightened Aruo.

"Don't be afraid," he explained in a steady voice. "That's the twin sister of the late Granny Su. Yi Nian pleaded for her to enter the palace to serve the Empress."

Shen Qingruo then realized what was happening and let out a soft sigh: "I see, it was A-Ruo who lost her composure."

Wu Lanyun witnessed the intimate whispers between the two, and felt a pang of sadness in her heart.

She forced a polite smile, stepped forward, and slightly curtsied: "Your Majesty, I respectfully welcome you back to the palace."

Shen Wangxi casually replied, "Get up."

After Wulan Yun finished her bow, she turned her gaze to Shen Qingruo. Her tone was calm, but it implied that she did not know the rules, "Qingruo is now a Noble Consort, but there are some etiquettes that she cannot forget."

Upon hearing this, Shen Qingruo released Shen Wangxi and, following protocol, bowed to the Empress.

However, as soon as she slightly bent her knees, her arms were firmly supported by a force.

Shen Wangxi actually pulled her up in front of many palace servants, preventing her from bowing.

"Your Majesty?" Shen Qingruo looked up at him, somewhat puzzled.

Shen Wangxi looked at her, and then thought of the child she had lost before she even met him.

How could he stand by and watch Aruo bow to the woman who indirectly caused their miscarriage?

That was like rubbing salt into her wounds; she felt incredibly wronged and sad.

Ignoring Wulan Yun's frozen expression, Shen Wangxi swept his gaze across everyone present and clearly said, "Issue my decree."

All the palace servants immediately held their breath and bowed their heads to receive the order.

"Consort Zhao was pregnant, but due to the Empress's improper care, the imperial child unfortunately died young."

"My heart is in great pain."

"As compensation, effective immediately, Consort Zhao is exempt from all morning and evening greetings and ceremonies to the Empress."

"The expenses of Yilan Palace are all provided according to the allowance for the Imperial Noble Consort."

Upon hearing this, the entire room fell silent.

The color drained from Wulan Yun's face, and she looked at Shen Wangxi in disbelief.

Previously, when he punished Jiaofang Palace, he only said it was because of her and Ayan that he had offended the Emperor.

But now, in front of everyone, he has personally confirmed her crime of plotting to harm the imperial heir.

Is he going to completely trample on her dignity and reputation, without caring about the slightest thing?

Wu Lanyun dug her nails deep into her palms to barely keep her balance.

She looked at him, and Shen Wangxi was also staring at her, showing no intention of retracting his decision.

Wulan Yun finally lowered her head slowly, her voice strained as she squeezed out, "Your Majesty, I obey."

Shen Wangxi stopped looking at her, put his arm around Shen Qingruo, who was also stunned by the imperial decree, and walked straight past Wulan Yun toward Yilan Palace.

Wulan Yun was left standing frozen in place, feeling the gazes of the palace servants around her, which were filled with sympathy, fear, or secret speculation.

He's so ruthless.

And then there's Shen Qingruo, that vixen.

If I had known this would happen, I should have killed Yun Wan when she got pregnant with her.